2. amps-preamps
  3. 192936-1301

Pass INT-25, split decision and maybe option?

I recently bought a used INT-25 to drive my PureAudioProject Trio15Classic. I have never been so torn by an amp as by this one! On one hand the details are addictive, but on the other hand, the details can be so distractive that I struggle to listen to the music. The INT-25 does do space really well and that’s definitely something I love and look for in an amp. I do miss some of the midrange magic and the warmth that a tube amp brings as well.

 

At this point, I’m not sure the INT-25 is going to stay. There’s so many things I love about it, but other things that distracts me from listening to the actual music.

 

I also miss some of the warmth that tubes bring. Is there such a thing as an integrated tube (or hybrid) that retains all the strength of the INT-25, but adds the midrange magic and warmth of the tube amp? Don’t mind if I lose some of the distracting details in the recording, but don’t want to give up too much of that. The PAP's do like a bit of power (the INT-25 is definitely sufficient), so low power SET's are not likely where I'd go.

audiojan

Showing 6 responses by bjesien

bjesien
1,381 posts
 

1 watt should give you 96db near the speaker so should hardly be conversational at the level you are setting it. Something is off. 

bjesien
1,381 posts
 

I would always flip flop yearly or so between tubes and solid state. I finally came to the realization that I just listen more with tubes. Might not get some of the characteristics of SS that I enjoy but I don't think that perfect middle ground exist for me (yet). 

Just be careful not to under power your speakers with tubes and nowadays you have to be careful not to buy a tube amp that sound like SS. 

Good luck, maybe give it some time or borrow some cables or new source?

bjesien
1,381 posts
 

 @bluethinker thanks for posting about the I-50. I owned a VSI-55 about 15 years ago and was wondering about the I-50. Does anyone know what's been done to "upgrade" this amp to the newest addition? 

I found the VSI a little cool, perhaps the Op did too if he's moved on.

 

I don't see an impedance curve on the Pure Audio site. Anyone that claims high efficiency in my mind should post such information. Instead they say "effortless and dynamic sonic performances with any amplification." That's usually misleading an expensive for people to find, but maybe I missed this information.

 

Keep us posted good thread.

bjesien
1,381 posts
 

Sounds like an amp issue. Did you even control the volume from your dac or via Roon or something is turned way down (DSP)?

The impedance curve is a range, like a set of stairs that the amp had to walk constantly. Nominal doesn’t mean much for a speaker load especially when talking lower powered tube amps.

You are making progress

bjesien
1,381 posts
 

I went to a bar in Colorado and the sign read: liquor in the front poker in the rear. Point is we don't want to mess these things up. Well stated Thompson.

bjesien
1,381 posts
 

Did the shop you borrowed it from have the same problem? Are you going to track down another one to listen to?

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